"Huh??"
Cao Mao recalled Anshi's appearance in his mind, unconsciously putting on a face like an enormous question mark.
Zhong Hui froze. He felt he had seen that expression somewhere before.
He looked at the armored guards around them. They hurried away, and only then did Zhong Hui say, "Does Your Majesty know who I am?"
"I truly do not."
"I am Zhong Hui, the son of the Marquis of Dingling whom you just mentioned."
"Ah! So you're the son of the minister of justice!"
Zhong Hui's face darkened. "The minister of justice is my elder brother. I am the son of Marquis Cheng of Dingling!"
Cao Mao was astonished and looked Zhong Hui over again.
Zhong Hui explained helplessly, "My father had me late in life."
"So that's it!!"
"Then how old was your father when he had you?"
Seeing the conversation gradually veer off course, Zhong Hui hastily interrupted Cao Mao's questions. "What I mean is that my family has been loyal and upright for generations. I am not someone who does not know to serve his emperor."
"As soon as I arrived in Luoyang, I read your poetry first."
"Your Majesty's literary talent is outstanding and truly admirable. Even Ruan Jun is unstinting in his praise of you."
"Your Majesty, once something has been done, it cannot fail to leave traces. If you have made a mistake, you can tell me now. I will certainly persuade the Grand General to preserve your wealth and rank."
"I can swear on my own father's honor that I will protect you."
"But if you do not speak now and the Grand General uncovers it himself, even if I wanted to protect you, I would have no chance."
Zhong Hui looked very earnest.
"Your Majesty has truly underestimated the Grand General.